When any leader rises to a responsible position, he is bound to reaffirm his determination to do his best for the country and the people. At least that level of initial commitment can be expected by the people. The problem is words and actions of the candidates before the election day will often depress and disappoint.
This is because it is easier to attack and criticize the other candidates than to highlight one's own position. It is also undeniable that the so-called negative election strategy has been accepted by the voters. Most of the time what I do it's OK but when the other does it, it's not OK — blaming others without acknowledging our mistakes. The avoidance of this attitude is a mark of a good leader.
In particular, one of the reasons people are disappointed with politicians during election time is irresponsible behavior and harsh talk. He remembers a person who resigned in the middle of running for president a long time ago explaining the background to journalists. In the election, he had no choice but to brag about himself and criticize his opponent, he was not confident of doing well in either. In the end, he said he could survive in the political world only when he was generous to himself and infinitely harsh to the other person.
Similar things happen during elections in so-called politically advanced countries, only a difference in degree. The wisdom of the electorate is shown by their choices.
When the writer was a member of the National Assembly, he participated in The Movement for Unity in Politics (Mppu), an international workshop for shared politics sponsored by the Focolare Movement and established the "Right Political Language Award" every year for his fellow lawmakers. Professors and college students reviewed and evaluated all the official remarks of each lawmaker. It was an event that started with the idea that every word of responsible politicians was a strict assessment of politics. Furthermore, it was intended to refine the political language and create a decent political culture.
At the same time, religious leaders participated in the National Assembly's "Let's Live As We Should" campaign. Of course, the main targets were politicians who most frustrated the people, but they were messages aimed at all leaders in our society. In short, it was also the result of deploring the reality that those in responsible positions are not doing their part.
The habit of "blaming others" is to avoid one's responsibility. On the contrary, the idea of "thanks to you" is an attitude of gratitude to the other person. It is unreasonable to expect this attitude towards the other party ahead of the election. However, a candidate who is accustomed to blaming others can never give hope to people.
All candidates are appealing to the citizens for votes, seeing them beyond conservative and progressive. Possible when you do "addition" politics, not "deduction" politics. The people hope that a leader will be one who does not exclude but will lead the whole country.
He wants to see a candidate who can shout "Mea Culpa" when decisions were wrongly made singly or with others.
Even if it is due to a bad relationship, it is the responsible leader's attitude to admit the mistake if he was involved. Bad relationships do happen. And if the results of the relationship cannot be accepted, this needs to be made known.
